USB interface...

I would like to know this too. I tried the search but maybe I didn't search hard enough.

 

I've run mine straight into the sound card and worked fine. Primitive, but it worked. Worst case you might need to jack the signal up a bit if its passive, but I don't really see the need for a USB interface, unless you have some application that requires it.

 

Are you just using the line out from your amp?

 

No, I mean I plugged the bass straight into the sound card, dimed the vol knob and maxed the input level. I only did it once to record a quick mp3 riff to email someone.

Rather than run your bass into the soundcard, you might want to just run the output of your sound card into your amp (via the fx loop, for example), if you just want to jam along.

If you are wanting to record and have some application for that, it may only recognize a USB input and then you would need some sort of interface.

If you both have PODs, you can get the drivers from Line6 website and use it with just a USB cable.

EDIT: Keep in mind that your computer speakers probably won't take much abuse from a bass before they blow. More reason to use the computer OUTPUT. Headphones might be a viable alternative.

 

Try a preamp or DI pedal and go into the line in on your sound card. Should work good. Will give you your bass tone and not sound sterile. There's a couple guys who are real wizards with this stuff.

BOB

 

Unless its ancient, it has a sound card (chipset) on the motherboard. It may not have a Line In, but likely has a Mic In. You can try that. I forget which input I used on my sound card. Like I said, it was just the one time, briefly, but it did work. I haven't had the need to do it again.

 

Line 6 pod studio GX with Pod Farm
The software that comes with it is surprisingly good for the price.
It's got a regular 1/4" jack, ready for bass/guitar, simple enough to use.

To me, their software is getting much better than their hardware.

 

just plug straight into the computers mic port. those usb cables are pretty expensive and not worth it.

 

Line 6 have a few cheaper interfaces, you could also spend a little bit more for the likes of a presonus or m-audio fast track.

 

If you just want to play along you could get a VOX AMPLUG (BASS Version). It is a small box that uses 2 AAA batteries that has a built in jack for your bass. Plug it in your bass, plug headphones into the unit, run a cable from your computers headphone socket to the amplug and you're all go.

Or you could use a Stealth Bass USB interface. Comes with some neat software as well.

Or get a practice amp that has a headphone socket and mp3 input jack. I thought of doing this so I could also use it as a permanent amp for the computer.